DNREC’S Division of Parks & Recreation announces changes in lifeguard hours at state park ocean swimming beaches

DOVER  – Hours and locations for lifeguarded ocean swimming beaches in DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation’s state parks have changed effective today, August 26.

On Monday, Aug. 26 through Friday, Aug. 30, Delaware Seashore State Park’s Tower Road beach will be unguarded during the week, but will remain guarded on weekends including Labor Day.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 26 through Friday, Aug. 30, Fenwick Island State Park’s Fenwick Lot will be unguarded during the week, but will remain guarded on the weekends including Labor Day.

All other state park guarded swimming beaches, including the main beach at Cape Henlopen State Park, and the South Indian River Inlet side of Delaware Seashore State Park, will be guarded every day through Labor Day with limited staff. Smaller or limited guarded swimming areas will be available through Labor Day.

Lifeguard hours will not change, and will be 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.

Reductions in hours are a result of lifeguards leaving the area to return to high school, college, and school sports camps.

For more information, call the Division of Parks & Recreation’s Operations Section at 302-739-9200.

Media Contact: Jayme Gravell, DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation, 302-739-9112

 


DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation recognizes members of the Veterans Conservation Corps

DAGSBORO – At an event at Holts Landing State Park in Dagsboro, the DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation recognized 13 members of the Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC) for their commitment to preserving Delaware’s natural resources over the past 11 months. Since October 2018, the men and women involved in the VCC completed nearly 13,000 hours of service to DNREC to include the removal of invasive species spanning 1,000 acres, planting over 2,000 trees, and maintaining 173 miles of trails.

The Veterans Conservation Corps is an AmeriCorps National Service Program that enables military veterans and their family members to learn and perform environmental stewardship and trail maintenance throughout Delaware State Parks. VCC participants gain certification, education, and hands-on skills training in preparation for a career in the natural resources field.

“I sincerely thank the members of the Veterans Conservation Corps for their service to our country and for bringing their talents to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control,” said DNREC Deputy Secretary Lisa Borin-Ogden. “Their time with us has concluded, but their contributions to the State of Delaware have made a long lasting impact.”

Applications for the 2019/2020 Program Year are now being accepted. This opportunity is available for military veterans, recently retired veterans, active guard and reserve members, military spouses and immediate family members. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Karen Minner, VCC Program Director, at 302.739.9208.

Media Contact: Jayme Gravell, DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation, 302-739-9112 or jayme.gravell@delaware.gov


DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation Natural Resources Police seeks two Enforcement Trainees

DOVER – Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment Control Division of Parks & Recreation Natural Resources Police invites qualified applicants to apply for the position of Enforcement Trainee. This is a law enforcement position with duties to include crime prevention and detection, public safety, enforcement of all Delaware criminal and traffic laws, responding to calls for service, and enforcing Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Rules and Regulations in Cape Henlopen, Fenwick Island, and Delaware Seashore State Parks.

Eligible applicants must possess an Associate’s Degree or higher in criminal justice, natural resources, environmental science or a related field, and  be a minimum of 20 ½ years old. In lieu of a Degree, one must have a minimum of six months experience performing investigations, applying natural resources law and narrative report writing. 

The starting salary is $36,527.00 with opportunity to promote.benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, optional deferred compensation, life insurance and disability insurance. Enforcement Trainees may also take advantage of park housing when available. 

Delaware State Parks provides over six million visitors annually with many activities and amenities including hiking, biking, canoeing, surfing, fishing, birding and much more. Cape Henlopen State Park was recently selected by USA Today as one of the most stunning state parks in the country. Outdoor enthusiasts with a desire to preserve the integrity of Delaware’s natural and cultural resources are encouraged to apply for this unique opportunity. 

For more information and to apply, visit the Delaware Employment Link. Interested applicants may also speak with Natural Resources Officers at National Night Out in Newark and Dover. Applications will be accepted until August 25, 2019.

Media Contact: Jayme Gravell, DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation, 302-739-9112 or         


DNREC’s Natural Resource Police Park Rangers enforce surf-fishing regulations at Cape Henlopen State Park

CAPE HENLOPEN – In response to complaints that surf-fishers were not complying with state regulations, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation Natural Resource Police Rangers performed a three-hour enforcement operation at Cape Henlopen State Park from Navy Beach to Gordon’s Pond on Sunday, July 28th.

Five full time officers and eight seasonal officers, with assistance from DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, checked 303 vehicles on the designated surf-fishing beach to ensure that at least one vehicle occupant was actively fishing. In addition, officers required individuals to show proof of a valid fishing license and the mandatory vehicle equipment. Seven summonses were issued and nearly 50 verbal warnings were given. The majority of violations were for individuals not actively engaged in fishing and for invalid permits.   

“I appreciate the ongoing efforts from DNREC Park Rangers who work collaboratively to ensure surf-fishers are following the rules and using our State’s natural resources appropriately,” said Ray Bivens, Director of DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation. “We welcome responsible anglers to join us at our beaches and are thankful for the compliance and cooperation during our recent enforcement operations.”

Park Rangers remind surf-fishing permit holders that all individuals who drive on designated surf fishing beaches must possess a valid surf fishing vehicle permit; must be actively engaged in surf fishing; must possess required surf fishing vehicle equipment, including a jack, shovel, low-pressure tire gauge, board, and tow strap; and also must possess proper saltwater fishing tackle.

Media Contact: Jayme Gravell, DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation, 302-739-9112


Fort Delaware Introduces Escape Fort Delaware: The Disloyalty Files

DELAWARE CITY – Fort Delaware State Park will host Escape Fort Delaware: The Disloyalty Files on September 14 and 28, 2019 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased for $50.00 online or by phone by calling 877.987.2757.

 Escape Fort Delaware is a program during which participants receive a hands-on education of how they could find their way out of the Fort if they had been arrested on the presumption of committing a disloyal act. The event is an immersive experience for partners and groups to learn Delaware history while also having fun.

This program is open for everyone with no prerequisite. Further questions about the program can be directed to the Fort Delaware park office at 302-834-7941.

 For more information, visit the Fort Delaware website or contact Monique Tamang, marketing intern, Fort Delaware/Fort DuPont State Parks, 302-834-7941.

Media Contact: Jayme Gravell, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, 302-739-9112 or